Notes of Faith August 2, 2024
Acceptance
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.
Romans 15:7, NIV
A website recently told of a young man from a rough background who joined a gang, got into trouble, and landed in prison. He’s doing better now, but he said about his younger years: “I didn’t feel accepted at school because I was disruptive…. Why would I stay in a place where I don’t feel accepted?”1
Every person worries about acceptance. People often fret about being accepted by others, whether at school, at work, in sports, or in personal relationships. Jacob worried about this regarding his brother Esau. “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me,” Jacob said in Genesis 32:20.
When it comes to our Heavenly Father, there is no “perhaps.” Ephesians 1:6 says, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” The question becomes—will we accept His acceptance? Will we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord?
Answer: “Yes!” You are accepted in the Beloved!
You may be wondering how you can accept yourself since you know how much you blow it and sin. The answer is this: if God accepts you, who are you to reject yourself?
Mark Maulding
Rom 15:1-7
15 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME." 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
We need to accept people and let them be where they are in life, while we strive to bring them to the feet of Jesus, that they might be saved. Jesus loves sinners. If He did not, none would be saved. Praise God for the offer of Jesus as the full and complete sacrifice that paid the debt we owe God for our sin. Love ALL people, even if they will not turn to Jesus. Our call, our duty, is to love and share with those around us the God of love, so that they do not perish, but repent of their sin, and believe in their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and receive eternal life.
Pastor Dale